6 September 2024
Our 120 Celebration: BLS Congress 2024 was a remarkable event that brought together dance teachers and dancers for a day filled with valuable insights and dynamic demonstrations. Our President, Shirley Ballas, proudly presented the inaugural President’s Cup competition during the event, adding an exciting dimension to the weekend. This is just the first of a series of three special ISTD 120th anniversary celebration events during the year.
A day of insightful lectures and competitions
The day opened with Ben Milan Vega and Morgan Hemphill, who presented several Jive syllabus figures for above Gold. Their work had a modern, competitive feel and will be of great value for Gold Star medal work.
Next was an informative Classical Sequence technical lecture from Karen Byron, accompanied by her beautifully presented Juvenile demonstrators. Using the Waverley Two Step and Gainsborough Glide, Karen shared excellent teaching methods, which were clearly reflected in the immaculate demonstration by her young dancers.
“Shirley Ballas was very impressed with the standard of our ISTD dancers and commented to many of the participants.”
- Charles Richman, Latin American Faculty Committee Member
Lead Examiner Vernon Kemp delivered two fantastic lectures, exploring Slow Rhythm choreography at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, as well as Quick Rhythm for above Gold and professional exam work. Vernon emphasised the importance of leg action in Rhythm dancing and reminded us that Rhythm dancing serves as a valuable tool for establishing correct body positions in Ballroom Dancing.
Deputy Lead Examiners Yvonne Taylor Hill and Jill Bush, with demonstrators Malcolm Hill and Joanne Blackshaw, gave a helpful lecture clarifying which syllabus developments are appropriate at each level in the Latin American dances. They also addressed common faults and how to correct them.
After lunch, Kiril presented an American Smooth Tango lecture. As we learned the choreography, Kiril explored changes in proximity and holds, while also offering useful styling developments.
“We had lots of comments on what a lovely day it had been – looking forward to the next one now!”
- Kay Fairgrieve, Sequence Faculty Committee Member
Former Latin American Faculty Chair, Lorna Lee, assisted by Ben and Morgan, guided us through two beautiful competitive Rumba combinations. These routines placed emphasis on rotation and the use of basic steps and actions to achieve the highest quality dancing.
The final teacher’s lecture was from David Cockram and Rosie Ward, who provided developments in the Quickstep. They conveyed their ideas with confidence and clarity, giving us plenty of material to take back to the studio.
The President’s Cup competition
In a unique joint workshop, Shirley Ballas herself led both teachers and students in a hands-on session, focusing on Chasse actions in the Cha Cha Cha. Shirley taught a short sequence of Chasses and Locks, which participants practiced to be danced solo in the President’s Cup competition that followed.
After enjoying some 120th birthday cake, the competition began, with elimination rounds narrowing down the field to just three finalists per age group. Once Shirley had chosen a winner for each group, the finalists competed for the overall award. The excitement was palpable!
“It was such a fun and inspiring day. I really appreciated all the lecturers’ passion for dance and their expertise.”
- Kerry Forster, ACS Dance Centre
This event was an incredible way to celebrate our 120th year, and the President’s Cup competition was the perfect ending to an inspiring Dancesport weekend. We can’t wait to see how this event will grow in the future. Stay tuned for more updates on our 120 Celebration series and make sure to join us for the upcoming events!
Report by Alex Costi, Sequence Faculty Committee Member
Congratulations to Erick-Florin Craia, our inaugural President’s Cup junior winner and overall champion.
Congratulations to Macey Smith, our inaugural President’s Cup winner, juvenile section.
Congratulations to Sam Hamilton, our inaugural President’s Cup winner, adult section.
